ederal prosecutors and defense attorneys representing former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have jointly proposed June 2027 as the start date for their high-profile criminal trial in the United States. The case, filed in a US federal court, accuses the couple of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and working with criminal organizations to facilitate the movement of cocaine into the United States.
According to court filings, the proposed schedule includes several key pretrial milestones. Maduro’s legal team is expected to submit a sovereign immunity motion by September 2026, with oral arguments scheduled for November. Additional defense motions are expected in January 2027, while prosecutors continue preparing classified evidence for disclosure under federal procedures.
US prosecutors stated that most non-classified evidence has already been shared with the defense and anticipate delivering the majority of classified materials by November. Both sides acknowledged that the trial schedule could change if disputes arise over classified information or other legal matters.
The case previously faced delays after US sanctions prevented the Venezuelan government from funding Maduro’s legal defense. However, the issue was resolved after the US Treasury Department authorized Venezuela to transfer funds for legal expenses, allowing the proceedings to continue.
Maduro and Flores were brought to the United States following a US military operation in Venezuela earlier this year. Prosecutors allege they collaborated with drug trafficking organizations to transport thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States over several years.
During his January court appearance, Maduro rejected all allegations, declaring his innocence and insisting he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela.
If approved by the court, the proposed June 2027 trial would mark one of the most significant international criminal proceedings involving a former Latin American head of state. The case is expected to attract worldwide attention due to its legal, political, and diplomatic implications for US-Venezuela relations.
